Detention Officer

Richwood Correctional Center•Monroe, LA

About The Position

The Detention Officer supervises inmates and detainees in living, recreation, visitation, treatment, and specialized work areas while providing security throughout the facility. The role includes monitoring inmate movement, conducting counts and searches, responding to emergencies, and assisting detainees experiencing injury, illness, or emotional trauma. Officers prepare reports and daily logs, initiate disciplinary reports, promote facility cleanliness, and report maintenance needs. They may serve in a range of security posts and as members of special response teams. The position requires shift work in 12-hour shifts and involves substantial physical activity, vehicle operation, and remaining alert throughout each shift.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of training courses and on-the-job training as required by facility training standards.
Must demonstrate qualities that inmates can identify with.
Must be emotionally stable, understanding, and philosophically attuned to the facility's objectives.
Language skills and reasoning ability are crucial to success in the position.
Must interact daily with offenders and staff while providing facility security.
Ability to remain awake and alert while on duty.
Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.
Ability to occasionally withstand direct or indirect exposure to OC spray.
Ability to respond rapidly to potential security or medical codes or issues.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50–100 pounds.
Ability to restrain and secure assaultive offenders on occasion.
Ability to perform frequent offender transfers and transportation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a correctional setting is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Supervise inmates in living areas and during recreational activities.
Supervise detainees and visitors in visitation areas.
Serve as a control center officer; coordinate and monitor inmate movements, conduct counts, and provide emergency response.
Serve as a mailroom, field tower, medical security, perimeter security, and/or gate officer as required.
Provide security during treatment activities and supervise labor crews in the kitchen and other specialized areas.
Provide prompt and appropriate assistance to detainees in the event of injury, illness, or emotional trauma.
Prepare reports and maintain daily logs as required.
Initiate disciplinary reports.
Conduct shakedowns for contraband, individually or as part of a specialized team.
Promote facility cleanliness and report maintenance or repair needs.
Serve as a member of special teams responding to incidents.
Perform other marginal duties as assigned.
Respond to potential security or medical codes and issues.
Transport offenders by walking or using vehicles such as vans and buses, and operate or drive company vehicles to pick up and transport offenders.